Invest in a Superior Therapy for Valley Fever
Health care costs from Valley Fever in California and Arizona are $1.4B annually.
The science behind Nikkomycin Z is compelling. By supporting the development of NikZ, you’re not just investing in a promising treatment for Valley Fever, but also contributing to the advancement of broad-spectrum antifungal therapies that can benefit a wider population of patients suffering from many fungal infections.
Large unmet medical need: Ask anyone in Arizona or the farming communities of California about Valley Fever. The region of concern is expanding with global warming. Millions are at risk, particularly dogs and people. With Valley Fever, tens of thousands are unable to get out of bed for weeks and miss a month of work. Thousands with severe Valley Fever endure hospitalization, months to years of suffering, and risk of death. Thousands have to take imperfect drugs for years, even for life (literally). The limitations of current treatments are well-known, and troubling.
Superior solution: Nikkomycin Z is a first-in-class antifungal with a novel mechanism of action. Compelling pre-clinical data has been documented in hundreds of scientific publications, showing successful results in animal models, particularly those mirroring human response. The likelihood of a successful human therapy is very high.
Clear development plan: The company is at an inflection point, with the planned Phase 2a trial targeting patients with limited and poor treatment alternatives. The path with the FDA is clear, and the NIH has supported this development. Physicians in impacted regions are anxious to get and use NikZ.
Broad-Spectrum Potential: While initially developed for Valley Fever, preclinical studies show promise against other problematic fungi, such as Candida and Aspergillus. This broad-spectrum activity suggests NikZ could address a wider range of fungal infections.
Experienced team: David Larwood PhD (CEO) and John Galgiani MD (Valley Fever expert) have world-class expertise in this drug and disease. Lucia Mokres DVM(COO) is an experienced drug developer. Roger Echols MD (Chief Medical Officer) has directed the approval of 15 anti-infective drugs, most of these now in widespread use.
Investment opportunity: The funding needs for the Phase 2a trial are minimal compared to most trials. The potential for significant return on investment with a successful drug that helps people with Valley Fever is significant, especially the human impact for those working outdoors.
Expanding Potential: NikZ’s effectiveness against various fungi, including Candida and Aspergillus, opens up a larger market opportunity beyond Valley Fever. NikZ shows promise in treating many of the World Health Organization’s Fungal Priority Pathogens List, fungi of concern and worldwide potential harm.